Hair Update

Remember this post....Hair Porn??? My aim was for a fuller head of hair by April. Well it is May and although my hair is not quite as full (I am not sure my texture will ever create such a look) but I think the length and thickness is worthy of a shoutout!

It is a kind of unfair comparison since my hair is technically ‘straightened’. Quotes were necessary since this picture was taken merely hours after the heat was applied to my hair.

But all-in-all some significant growth if I do say so myself. I’ve played around with some styles since I took the 4 month break so you will just have to check out my fotki if you are interested. I hope to create some more funky styles once I get home and I have access to people who can braid my hair.

Regimen

I finally managed to get in a Trader Joes and got their shampoo and conditioner. I am very pleased with the price and just as happy with how my hair feels after the shampoo and conditioning...

I also incorporated the Castor Oil challenge for 6 weeks. Nothing to report. There were not any negative side effects I noticed so in light of the huge container of castor oil that I purchased, I will continue to oil my scalp with castor oil...once I remember.

Deep conditioning- I’ve been bad and somehow deep conditioning went down the drain. A combination of no hooded dryer here in Canada and my house being cold, I didn’t have the nerve to walk around with a wet head longer than necessary (i.e. longer than it took to dry). Once again, I haven’t really noticed any negative side effects so maybe the regular conditioning, leave-ins and other products I use was helpful.

Twists were pretty much my staple since January. When not in twists, my hair was braided so I think protective styling can be credited with the ‘no negative’ repercussions from the decrease in deep conditioning. Current twists (put in on Sunday, 5/9.2010)

Heat- there was no heat included until May 1^st when I had my hair flat ironed in order to get the ends clipped. Even with the hair ‘straightened’ I primarily wore my hair in a bun or with a phony pony so the ends were still protected.

And that’s me...as far as my hair goes. The obsession has decreased a bit. I’m less of a ‘nazi’ in certain areas. I still struggle from time to time with my texture and all those lies I have swallowed over the years.

smooches

Part II

One of my biggest issues this past year was my location. Don't get me wrong, I love(d) my house from the very beginning.

My problem has been how far I am from everyone and everything, see here for a full 'tirade'. New to the country, new to the school...no family or friends---yea loneliness killed me! Well in January/early Feb, my landlords and I came to a peaceful agreement. Since things were getting more and more difficult for them to find someone to commit to such a short term lease (6 months) especially in the middle of winter, they knocked off $100 from the rent and I accepted.

The strike ended the same week (or maybe a week or so before) so I was feeling much more hopeful about regaining my independence with a car. Well of course, as I shared in the last post, I only got the car beginning of April...more than 4 months later but I got more acquainted with the bus system and just made it work! It was all about a change in perspective and the power of 'hope'. A little bit of hope can fuel an empty vessel! I think the fact that I was simultaneously working on that license also helped to make me feel like I was 'progressing'. I got a sense of control back, I was able to change my situation.

Anyway, long story short, I unpacked....gradually (yes that means that I surely did pack up EVERYTHING), made more regular visits to friends, the mall, the movies- all via the local bus system. In March, I got connected with a local church and that just opened an entire new support system for me.

so....I am back at the point I was in January except under better circumstances. My lease is up in August and since I will be heading back home at the end of this month, I need to secure new residences before I leave.

After a mere 2 weeks of looking, I've found a place that I love! YAY! It meets all my requirements and price is competitive for the area and what it offers- I am only waiting to hear back from the landlord to see if it is still available. what it offers:

• close location to school - 5 minutes (walk) - which is great since parking for me (who refuses to pay for a school permit) is about a 10 minute walk now.
• hardwood floors, I detest carpeting unless I am the first to live with it
• central air -HUGE bonus although I probably will only need it for 3 months of the year. I will be missing the awful heat this summer
• all utilities included in rent
• personal washer and dryer- NOT coin operated
• personal storage space in basement
• parking
• complimentary furniture if I want (desk, table, couch and chairs)

I am hoping this move is the last one I will have to make until it is time for graduation so I have some serious demands to ensure comfort and sanity over the next 3-4 years. If the above described apartment doesn't work out for me, I found a backup today. This one is a 1 bedroom though, so it is not ideal for a situation if Handsome decides to join me and live here for a couple years but it isn't that small that we couldn't make it work either.

All in all, I am optimistic about the new living arrangements although I am not looking forward to actually moving. :)

Until next time...

smooches!